HB3491, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act of 2025, would amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to carry out a dedicated research, training, and investigation program focused on Down syndrome. The program would be known as the INCLUDE Project, short for the “INvestigation of Co-occurring conditions across the Lifespan to Understand Down syndromE Project.”
The bill lays out a broad research agenda that includes high-risk, high-reward studies on trisomy 21, cohort studies across the lifespan, expanded clinical trials for people with Down syndrome, research into biological mechanisms and co-occurring conditions, and work to improve diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families. It also requires NIH to coordinate related activities across institutes and centers, avoid duplicative research, consult with stakeholders such as patient advocates, and submit biennial reports to Congress describing the research supported under the program and any real-world evidence generated.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would create a specific statutory NIH program for Down syndrome research within the Public Health Service Act, giving the NIH Director an explicit mandate to organize and support this work. It would affect NIH priorities and reporting obligations, and it would likely influence how federal research dollars are directed toward Down syndrome, co-occurring conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune disorders, and clinical trial inclusion for this population. The bill does not create direct benefits or mandates for states, but it would shape federal biomedical research policy and the institutions, researchers, patients, and families involved in Down syndrome care and research.
Sentiment
The available context suggests broadly positive and bipartisan support for the bill. The measure was introduced by members from both parties, indicating cross-party interest in advancing Down syndrome research and support services. No committee transcript or recorded vote information is provided, so there is no evidence in the available record of organized opposition or divided sentiment.
Contention
No specific points of contention are reflected in the provided materials. The bill’s main policy choices are the scope of NIH’s research mandate, the emphasis on non-duplicative and coordinated research, and the requirement to consult stakeholders and report to Congress. If any concerns were raised, they are not captured in the available transcripts or voting history. The absence of recorded opposition suggests the bill is likely viewed as a targeted, research-focused measure rather than a controversial policy change.
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